Toddwj,
I like Teres as much as anyone (I own one) but they are clearly above your present budget.
The biggest problem with the Scout is that the motor is known for poor speed stability. Many owners have either added VPI's SDS unit ($500ish) or replaced the VPI motor with one from Teres ($525) or Origin Live ($550). All who've done so report dramatically improved musical results.
I'd look at a Nottingham Horizon with the RB250 arm. That combo is usually sold for about $1200. I've never heard anyone report a speed control issue with a Nott'. In fact, one Scout owner reported that both his buddy's Nott' motor and a Teres motor improved his Scout, while the Teres motor made no improvement on his friend's Nott'.
A used Nott' Spacedeck with Spacearm would stomp any of the above BTW. If you're willing to consider used that would be a hugely satisfying first (and maybe last) vinyl rig, and buying used is an excellent way to avoid the depreciation hit.
Good luck and enjoy the tunes whatever you choose.
I like Teres as much as anyone (I own one) but they are clearly above your present budget.
The biggest problem with the Scout is that the motor is known for poor speed stability. Many owners have either added VPI's SDS unit ($500ish) or replaced the VPI motor with one from Teres ($525) or Origin Live ($550). All who've done so report dramatically improved musical results.
I'd look at a Nottingham Horizon with the RB250 arm. That combo is usually sold for about $1200. I've never heard anyone report a speed control issue with a Nott'. In fact, one Scout owner reported that both his buddy's Nott' motor and a Teres motor improved his Scout, while the Teres motor made no improvement on his friend's Nott'.
A used Nott' Spacedeck with Spacearm would stomp any of the above BTW. If you're willing to consider used that would be a hugely satisfying first (and maybe last) vinyl rig, and buying used is an excellent way to avoid the depreciation hit.
Good luck and enjoy the tunes whatever you choose.